Orange Beach Presbyterian Church Wedding Policy
We are pleased that you wish to be married in Orange Beach Presbyterian Church! Below you will find our wedding policies.
Here is everything you need to acquaint you with our policies so that your wedding ceremony will be a meaningful worship service. The church is guided in the formulation of these wedding policies by the Directory for Worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). If you are interested in asking the pastor to perform the ceremony elsewhere, please contact her directly.
Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community
In preparation for the marriage service, the minister shall provide for a discussion with the couple concerning
These policies are intended to make your wedding a special and joyful event.
Meeting with the Pastor
Our pastor will be eager to help you in any way to prepare for this important step. At least two meetings with our pastor after the initial meeting will be required prior to the wedding. One meeting will be used for planning your wedding ceremony. At least one other meeting will be used to offer you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the relationship you are seeking to seal in marriage.
If our pastor is convinced that Christian commitment and responsibility are lacking, she shall not officiate at the service.
Setting the Date of your Wedding
As soon as you begin formulating plans for your wedding, you should confer with our pastor, Kim Vanbrimmer, at (251) 370-5272. Our pastor is the only one authorized to schedule a wedding in our sanctuary.
When a couple wishes to be married at Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, a reservation must be made as early as possible.
No more than one wedding may be scheduled in the same weekend.
Weddings are not scheduled at the following times:
· Sundays
· Saturdays before Palm Sunday or Easter
· Holy Week
· Thanksgiving Week
· Christmas Week
Weddings for non-members will be scheduled no less than one month and no more than six months in advance.
Music
Our church's organist shall ordinarily be engaged as the organist or pianist at all weddings held in our sanctuary. If an organist or pianist other than our church's organist is requested, the prior approval of both our church's organist and pastor shall be required. You are responsible for contacting our church organist, Mr. Stephen Pearce, at (850) 994-6616. All music must be in keeping with the religious nature of the wedding service and special care needs to be taken to assure that the music is suitable and reverent. All plans for music are to be discussed with the organist and approved by the pastor.
All couples are responsible for contacting the church organist, Mr. Pearce, to arrange a mutually agreeable time to discuss your music well in advance of the wedding. Mr. Pearce will also set his fee with you at that time.
Flowers and Candles
The beauty of our sanctuary is enhanced by simple, tasteful floral arrangements.
If a wedding or unity candle is to be lit during the ceremony, you are responsible for providing the candles to be lit. Donations of flowers to the church suitable for Sunday worship are gratefully received.
Pictures
Flash pictures may be taken during the processional or recessional. No flash pictures are to be taken during the ceremony itself, either by guests or by professional photographers. A designated photographer may discreetly photograph the ceremony with existing light from the back of the sanctuary. At no time during the ceremony may a photographer occupy any position in the sanctuary forward of the front pews.
Videotaping of the ceremony utilizing natural light is permissible. Video cameras are to remain stationary during the service.
Pictures may be taken in the sanctuary either prior to or immediately following the service of worship.
Sanctuary Capacity
Our sanctuary can comfortably seat 140 guests. If you anticipate more than that, do not plan your wedding for Orange Beach Presbyterian Church. The chancel is small. Therefore, we recommend a small number of attendants.
Guest Ministers
If you desire another minister to participate in and/or officiate at the service of worship, you should discuss this with our pastor.
Reception Hall
You are welcome to hold your wedding reception in our church’s fellowship hall. To inquire about the use of the fellowship hall for your reception, speak with the pastor. Please note that there is a no-alcohol policy.
Etiquette
The scattering of rice, confetti, glitter, etc. is not allowed inside or outside the church building. Bird seed and flower petals may be used outside the building only.
Neither smoking/vaping nor the consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed in any church facility.
All facilities are to be left in their original order and condition. All rented items, flowers (except those you have notified the church you will be leaving for the following Sunday), gifts, and trash shall be removed immediately following the service.
What are the costs?
Members
There is no charge for the use of the church if the bride, the groom, or the parent(s) of either is an active member of Orange Beach Presbyterian Church. For members of Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, there are no fees for the pastor’s time and services. An honorarium may be given, the amount to be determined by the bridal couple.
If you or your parents are members of Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, the only fees that apply are for the organist. Contact Stephen Pearce to discuss his fee.
Non-members
If neither you nor your parents are members of Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, the cost for the use of the building is $500. This is the fee regardless of whether or not there is a rehearsal.
A damage deposit check of $200 is also due at the time the church is reserved to cover damage or excessive clean up caused by non-compliance of the church’s policies. The check will be returned if there is no damage as determined by the pastor or attending elder of the church.
The pastor’s professional fee is $300 (planning meetings, service preparation, rehearsal, and wedding) Add $75 if the wedding is at some location other than the church.
The organist’s fee is as agreed upon with our organist, Stephen Pearce
Payment of Fees
The fee for the use of the building is due at the time the church is reserved.
A separate damage deposit check is also due at the time the church is reserved.
Honoraria for the pastor and the organist are due at the time of the rehearsal.
License
The State of Alabama does not require a marriage license. There is a form that must be filled out, notarized, and returned to the Baldwin County Probate office after the ceremony. The correct filing of that paperwork is the sole responsibility of the couple getting married.
WEDDING INFORMATION FORM
Time of wedding ____________ Date and Time of Rehearsal _________________________
The couple's information:
1. FULL name _______________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
Phone _________________________ Email _________________________________
2. FULL name______________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
Phone _________________________ Email _________________________________
Who will officiate at wedding? __________________________________________________
Organist ____________________________________________________________________
Reception at the church? ___________________
Wedding was booked by ____________________________ on ________________________
Fees and Honorariums have been explained and agreed upon:
For use of the church for the wedding $ 500.00
For the pastor for the wedding $ 300.00
For the pastor if the wedding is at another location ($75) $ ____________
Security Deposit ($200.) $ 200.00
TOTAL OF ALL FEES $ ____________
Date fees paid ______________________
Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community
In preparation for the marriage service, the minister shall provide for a discussion with the couple concerning
- the nature of their Christian commitment, assuring that at least one is a professing Christian,
- the legal requirements of the state,
- the privileges and responsibilities of Christian marriage,
- the nature and form of the marriage service,
- the vows and commitments they will be asked to make,
- the relationship of these commitments to their lives of discipleship,
- the resources of the faith and the Christian community to assist them in fulfilling their marriage commitments.
These policies are intended to make your wedding a special and joyful event.
Meeting with the Pastor
Our pastor will be eager to help you in any way to prepare for this important step. At least two meetings with our pastor after the initial meeting will be required prior to the wedding. One meeting will be used for planning your wedding ceremony. At least one other meeting will be used to offer you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and the relationship you are seeking to seal in marriage.
If our pastor is convinced that Christian commitment and responsibility are lacking, she shall not officiate at the service.
Setting the Date of your Wedding
As soon as you begin formulating plans for your wedding, you should confer with our pastor, Kim Vanbrimmer, at (251) 370-5272. Our pastor is the only one authorized to schedule a wedding in our sanctuary.
When a couple wishes to be married at Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, a reservation must be made as early as possible.
No more than one wedding may be scheduled in the same weekend.
Weddings are not scheduled at the following times:
· Sundays
· Saturdays before Palm Sunday or Easter
· Holy Week
· Thanksgiving Week
· Christmas Week
Weddings for non-members will be scheduled no less than one month and no more than six months in advance.
- · Check with the pastor about the availability of your desired date on the church calendar and on the pastor’s calendar.
- · Complete the Wedding Information Form with as much detail as you have.
- · Submit the fee with your application in order to hold your desired date.
- · Call for an appointment with the pastor to discuss your plans. Review the wedding policy with the pastor.
Music
Our church's organist shall ordinarily be engaged as the organist or pianist at all weddings held in our sanctuary. If an organist or pianist other than our church's organist is requested, the prior approval of both our church's organist and pastor shall be required. You are responsible for contacting our church organist, Mr. Stephen Pearce, at (850) 994-6616. All music must be in keeping with the religious nature of the wedding service and special care needs to be taken to assure that the music is suitable and reverent. All plans for music are to be discussed with the organist and approved by the pastor.
All couples are responsible for contacting the church organist, Mr. Pearce, to arrange a mutually agreeable time to discuss your music well in advance of the wedding. Mr. Pearce will also set his fee with you at that time.
Flowers and Candles
The beauty of our sanctuary is enhanced by simple, tasteful floral arrangements.
If a wedding or unity candle is to be lit during the ceremony, you are responsible for providing the candles to be lit. Donations of flowers to the church suitable for Sunday worship are gratefully received.
Pictures
Flash pictures may be taken during the processional or recessional. No flash pictures are to be taken during the ceremony itself, either by guests or by professional photographers. A designated photographer may discreetly photograph the ceremony with existing light from the back of the sanctuary. At no time during the ceremony may a photographer occupy any position in the sanctuary forward of the front pews.
Videotaping of the ceremony utilizing natural light is permissible. Video cameras are to remain stationary during the service.
Pictures may be taken in the sanctuary either prior to or immediately following the service of worship.
Sanctuary Capacity
Our sanctuary can comfortably seat 140 guests. If you anticipate more than that, do not plan your wedding for Orange Beach Presbyterian Church. The chancel is small. Therefore, we recommend a small number of attendants.
Guest Ministers
If you desire another minister to participate in and/or officiate at the service of worship, you should discuss this with our pastor.
Reception Hall
You are welcome to hold your wedding reception in our church’s fellowship hall. To inquire about the use of the fellowship hall for your reception, speak with the pastor. Please note that there is a no-alcohol policy.
Etiquette
The scattering of rice, confetti, glitter, etc. is not allowed inside or outside the church building. Bird seed and flower petals may be used outside the building only.
Neither smoking/vaping nor the consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed in any church facility.
All facilities are to be left in their original order and condition. All rented items, flowers (except those you have notified the church you will be leaving for the following Sunday), gifts, and trash shall be removed immediately following the service.
What are the costs?
Members
There is no charge for the use of the church if the bride, the groom, or the parent(s) of either is an active member of Orange Beach Presbyterian Church. For members of Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, there are no fees for the pastor’s time and services. An honorarium may be given, the amount to be determined by the bridal couple.
If you or your parents are members of Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, the only fees that apply are for the organist. Contact Stephen Pearce to discuss his fee.
Non-members
If neither you nor your parents are members of Orange Beach Presbyterian Church, the cost for the use of the building is $500. This is the fee regardless of whether or not there is a rehearsal.
A damage deposit check of $200 is also due at the time the church is reserved to cover damage or excessive clean up caused by non-compliance of the church’s policies. The check will be returned if there is no damage as determined by the pastor or attending elder of the church.
The pastor’s professional fee is $300 (planning meetings, service preparation, rehearsal, and wedding) Add $75 if the wedding is at some location other than the church.
The organist’s fee is as agreed upon with our organist, Stephen Pearce
Payment of Fees
The fee for the use of the building is due at the time the church is reserved.
A separate damage deposit check is also due at the time the church is reserved.
Honoraria for the pastor and the organist are due at the time of the rehearsal.
License
The State of Alabama does not require a marriage license. There is a form that must be filled out, notarized, and returned to the Baldwin County Probate office after the ceremony. The correct filing of that paperwork is the sole responsibility of the couple getting married.
WEDDING INFORMATION FORM
Time of wedding ____________ Date and Time of Rehearsal _________________________
The couple's information:
1. FULL name _______________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
Phone _________________________ Email _________________________________
2. FULL name______________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
Phone _________________________ Email _________________________________
Who will officiate at wedding? __________________________________________________
Organist ____________________________________________________________________
Reception at the church? ___________________
Wedding was booked by ____________________________ on ________________________
Fees and Honorariums have been explained and agreed upon:
For use of the church for the wedding $ 500.00
For the pastor for the wedding $ 300.00
For the pastor if the wedding is at another location ($75) $ ____________
Security Deposit ($200.) $ 200.00
TOTAL OF ALL FEES $ ____________
Date fees paid ______________________
Proudly powered by Weebly